Rep. Rashid Supports Budget that Provides Economic Relief, Healthcare Affordability

BERWYN, Ill. – State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid, D-Bridgeview, released the following statement after helping to pass a balanced state budget that continues to uplift working class families:

“I am proud to support a fiscally and socially responsible budget that places emphasis on economic relief for working families, boosts funding for education and after-school initiatives, guarantees access to human services, and aims to safeguard the most vulnerable across Illinois.

“This budget is socially and fiscally responsible. It allocates an additional $350 million to our schools, and invests $200 million in afterschool and summer youth programs. We’re also making significant strides in early childhood education, dedicating over $75 million to create more than 5,000 new preschool spots in underserved areas, giving our youngest children a brighter start. Higher education is not left behind, with an extra $10 million for MAP grants, helping 20,000 more students with need-based aid. Furthermore, over $10 million will be placed toward career and technical education programs.

“As a member of the budget committee for Health & Human Services, I fought to bolster investments that prioritize uplifting the most vulnerable. I was proud to vote in support of the new child tax credit program. This initiative is designed to offer much-needed economic relief to working families throughout Illinois and it is set to expand gradually over the next few years. It also commits $290 million to tackle homelessness, invest in transitional housing, rental assistance, and more.

“I also supported a healthcare debt relief initiative that will eliminate $1 billion in medical debt for families who have been burdened by outrageous premiums and other medical costs. This is coupled with legislation I co-sponsored including the Healthcare Protection Act, which would ban harmful practices like step therapy and prior authorization for crisis mental health care, improve network adequacy standards, prohibit junk insurance plans, and end unchecked rate increases for large group insurance carriers. In addition, I sponsored legislation to cap the cost of prescribed inhalers (SB 3203) and other prescription medications (SB 2672), and to reduce healthcare costs for pregnancy and postpartum care (HB 5142).

“This budget continues to strengthen Illinois’ financial standing by paying down debt, making the full pension payment, and shoring up the Rainy Day Fund by another $198 million.

“The final budget is a product of negotiations and certainly is not without its flaws, but it represents a strong step forward. I want to extend my gratitude to our budgeteers, staff, and to my colleagues for coming together to pass a budget that uplifts families in our communities and throughout Illinois.”